I think recycling models in feature films is actually viable as long as there isn't a huge gap between productions.Kyle wrote:amusingly, if I remember right, the models in toy story were rebuilt from the ground up every movie. the technology changes so fast that they wouldnt just use the same models/rigs from the previous movie, they want to push things, and that means using different software, often requiring them to start from scratch to get a better result.
And I'm pretty sure they've recycled stuff in the background. I recall that the dogs in Prep & Landing were almost definitely tweaked Bolt rigs, Tiny the Dinosaur from Meet the Robinsons could be seen in Wreck-It Ralph in Central Station, and the cute girl who was scarred-for-life in Ralph Breaks the Internet was very blatantly the baby Moana rig from ... Moana.
I don't blame the CG artists for doing this, especially for minor and background characters. I have the impression that high quality models and rigs are very difficult to create and certainly not something you just whip up fast and cheap.
I love these sorts of discussions. I'm dying to truly join in, but if I did I'd end up writing at some length and I really don't have time right now.
In any case, please keep it up guys because it makes for a very interesting read.